David Davis ‘angry at Michael Gove and Boris Johnson over Brexit meddling'
2 min read
The Brexit Secretary is reportedly furious with Michael Gove and Boris Johnson’s attempt to steer the UK’s exit from the EU, after a letter from the pair to the Prime Minister was leaked over the weekend.
According to the Times, David Davis has said he will resist any attempts by his Cabinet colleagues to influence the Brexit process, following reports that they have teamed up on the issue.
A letter emerged in the Mail on Sunday from the Foreign Secretary and the Environment Secretary urging Theresa May to pursue a hard Brexit.
It also warned that other senior figures were seeking to “frustrate” the process and that “current preparations” were not being undertaken with “sufficient energy.”
Speaking to the newspaper, an ally of Mr David said: “He was furious with Boris and Michael for their intervention,”
They added: “He wants to demonstrate he’s in charge and in control. He’s angry that other people are interfering.”
Another MP confirmed that relations between the Brexit Secretary and the Foreign Secretary in particular were strained.
But another source close to Mr Gove and Mr Johnson hit back, labelling Mr Davis, a “f***wit”. The source added that Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator, has no respect and consequently has the UK “over a barrel” as the talks progress.
The standoff comes as the Government prepares for line-by-line scrutiny of its flagship Brexit bill this week as the legislation passes through the Commons.
Hundreds of amendments have been tabled by MPs who want changes to the bill before it becomes law.
Ahead of the debate, Mr Davis announced yesterday that MPs are to be given a binding vote on the terms of the final Brexit deal struck between the Government and the rest of the EU.
The Brexit Secretary said new legislation will be drawn up containing the details of the withdrawal agreement.
A Commons vote will then be held giving MPs a say on whether the deal should be enshrined in law.
However, he also insisted that if it is voted down, Britain will still leave the EU - but without a formal agreement with its remaining 27 member states.
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